running and injuries

RAWBMEOW
RAWBMEOW Posts: 64
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi, im new to this site so bare with me. I consider myself a "runner" running 4-6 miles 5 days a week. My issue is, ever since I was young I have had bad ankles and feet. I run sometimes for weeks/months without an injury but as of late I have Achilles tendinitis in my right foot and planters fasciatis in my left. I have kind of given up on running out doors and took back to the gym and the elliptical. I have been to a foot dr and he says some people just cant be avid runners. Is this true am I going to have to give up running for good? This is very depressing because I feel like I dont get the same workout just by using the elliptical and stair stepper. Any advice is much appreciated.

Replies

  • AbbeyRysMom
    AbbeyRysMom Posts: 101 Member
    Okay first off - I'm not a runner. I tried to be, and ended up hurt. I found that ice and rest has gotten me back to being able to walk at all! I have achilles tendonitis in my left foot and plantar fasciitis in the right (well, PF in both, but its most painful in right)... try finding out some ways to reduce those pains. They do have support for achilles tendons, and for the PF - stretching yuor foot out by rolling it over a frozen bottle of water is REALLY helpful. STuff like that. Also, I'm thinking of getting some superfeet inserts. My mom spent over $500 on "prescription" orthotics, only to find they were ill-fitting and made her condition worse (idiot doctor, different story).. she said the $50 dr scholls ones that you stand on the machine in the store are much more supportive and comfortable.
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    I was reading the latest Runners World mag yesterday and they had an article on this issue.
    They suggested that if a health professional tells you to give up running and you aren't happy with that advice - get a second opinion.
    It sometimes means that that particular doc has nothing more to offer you.
    Or, you might get the same advice from someone else - at which point I would take it on board.
  • RAWBMEOW
    RAWBMEOW Posts: 64
    I read that same article. My bf and bff are avid marathon runners and they never get injured. I hate this feeling of hopelessness and jealousy.
  • Fit_Canuck
    Fit_Canuck Posts: 788 Member
    Slow and steady, don't rush, don't jump into any "Speed-Work" , none of that!! I personally used a C25K ( Couch to 5K ) program and it got me to running 5K in about 38mins after 8 weeks. It was very gradual and for the first time I didn't injure myself trying to push too hard too fast.
  • holleysings
    holleysings Posts: 664 Member
    I'm in the same boat!

    I am one of those people who has never been able to run. I started switching between walking and running. I had built up to being able to run for 2 min before switching back to power walking when I severely strained the spring ligament in my right foot. And I was doing this slowly and steadily. Five weeks of babying it, and it still isn't better. (I am seeing a chiropractor for this, so I'm not waiting it out or anything.) I'm not sure if I'll be "allowed" to run again without risk of re-injuring it. I used to think I wasn't built to run, and now I'm not sure I'll run ever again!
  • lauleipop
    lauleipop Posts: 260 Member
    A few thoughts:
    1) Stop running 5 or 6 days a week. Run 2 or 3 days a week instead and then cross-train the other days with whatever your low/no impact preference is.

    2) Get fitted for proper running shoes if you haven't already. Consider inserts (SuperFeet Berry are popular in my running group).

    3) Physical. Therapy. Seriously, have someone evaluate your form and strike to ensure that's not a problem, then work with a physical therapist to strengthen and stretch.

    4) Consider your non-running footwear. I'm 5'9" and I LOVE my 4" heels. But, my feet basically gave me a choice: don't wear heels and run all you want, or wear heels and stop running. If I wear anything over a 2" heel my feet hurt and my performance suffers when I run.
  • taureanbuddhist
    taureanbuddhist Posts: 39 Member
    A few thoughts:
    1) Stop running 5 or 6 days a week. Run 2 or 3 days a week instead and then cross-train the other days with whatever your low/no impact preference is.

    2) Get fitted for proper running shoes if you haven't already. Consider inserts (SuperFeet Berry are popular in my running group).

    3) Physical. Therapy. Seriously, have someone evaluate your form and strike to ensure that's not a problem, then work with a physical therapist to strengthen and stretch.

    4) Consider your non-running footwear. I'm 5'9" and I LOVE my 4" heels. But, my feet basically gave me a choice: don't wear heels and run all you want, or wear heels and stop running. If I wear anything over a 2" heel my feet hurt and my performance suffers when I run.
    I totally agree with this...you may be over training and rest is very important too:) Even when I am training for a Half I only run 3 days a week...I found that I also had to lose the heels at work in order to be able to run longer distances. Best of luck to you:)
  • socalgirl68
    socalgirl68 Posts: 85
    I hear ya girl!
    Happens to me way too much. every time i try to go over 6 miles i get hurt. Ankle, knees, hip, butt, and recently my back. I run 3 days a week and have been running for quite some time now. ALWAYS getting injured. :( here are some things I found helpful

    1. Make sure the shoes you have are incredible. You need comfort. Not too stiff.
    2. Wear inserts. They are only for old people, right? nope, not really. I wear them. my ankle problem are gone since wearing them
    3. Form is everything. Take at least 2 runs out of the week and really focus on form. Head up and looking forward, don't slouch, don't pound, and bend your knees. Keep yourself comfortable
    4. Run no more than 3 days in a row. I tried running everyday (wanted to run everyday for a year. worst challenge ever!!) and by the 5th day i couldn't walk anymore. I couldn't run for 1 month. it sucked
    5. If you need a rest take it. Too many times I tried to run through the pain, and ended up more hurt than when it started. My recent injury, my back, :( this is the only injury i completely took off running from. In just two weeks, I am running again. I ran today in fact! First time in two weeks. Yay!!!
    6.SWIM!! SPIN!!! Swimming and spinning really help with running. no. joke.

    I know how you feel. Two of my other family members run and they NEVER EVER get injured and I ALWAYS do. I wanted to frun a 15k and i was training for it, then my back just gave out. Now I can't run it. injuries can be sooo discouraging and I hate them, but sometimes you just gotta deal with it

    Hope I helped and hope you get better soon!
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